With Wimbledon fever in full swing, tennis courts in Harpenden have received a major refurbishment following investment from the government and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The courts, at Rothamsted Park, have seen new nets installed, professional jet washing carried out, and moss treatment conducted.

Overgrown hedging, scrub and grassy areas have also been cut back, and an automated gate entry system has been introduced for those who have court bookings.

And that's not all, as an upgrade to the floodlighting system is planned for later this year too.

The refurbishment is part of a £30m programme that has already seen improvements to 1,000 public tennis courts up and down the country, funded with £21.6m from the government and £8.4m from the LTA.

Bim Afolami, the MP for Hitchin & Harpenden, said that he welcomed the investment and added: "Funding for grassroots sports is essential to get people active as part of our priority to cut NHS waiting lists.

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“I look forward to seeing these improvements really benefit local residents.”

Harpenden Town Council manage the courts, which - along with the multi-use games area at the park - they took over in November 2022.

To celebrate the relaunch, they will be holding an event on Saturday, 22 July. At 10am, Cllr Fiona Gaskell, the mayor of Harpenden, will cut the ribbon before a series of free coaching taster sessions are put on, as well as food and drinks stalls, and craft activities for children.

The event will last until midday and equipment will be provided, though anybody with their own racket is encouraged to bring it.

Courts at Rothamsted Park can be booked here.